ACFEA Travels To Canberra In Support Of The Australian War Memorial Redevelopment

HomeNewsACFEA Travels To Canberra In Support Of The Australian War Memorial Redevelopment

Michael W Harkins MVO PSM, the CEO of the Australia China Friendship and Exchange Association Inc. (ACFEA), travelled to Canberra to attend The Generational Development and Future of the Australian War Memorial event.

Held on the 1st of November in the Great Hall of the Parliament House of Australia, the event saw Prime Minister Scott Morrison announce a $498 million investment in the Australian War Memorial’s redevelopment to help them tell the stories of the men and women who serve today.

Mr. Harkins commended the Prime Minister for the funding announcement, and noted the important role that the Australian War Memorial has in our country.

“The Australian War Memorial does excellent work in honouring Australia’s veterans, and also our current service men and women,” Mr. Harkins said.

“It was an honour to be invited and to represent the ACFEA at such a historic announcement. The number of senior Australian leaders attending there just shows how much Australians support this important cultural institution.”

ACFEA’s Founder and Co-Patron Dr Chau Chak Wing is a long-term supporter of the Australian War Memorial, previously funding the Memorial’s Kingold Education and Media Centre.

Channel Seven’s Melissa Doyle was the MC of the event, and both the Chairman of the Australian War Memorial, Mr Kerry Stokes AC, and the Australian War memorial Director, Dr. Brendan Nelson AO spoke to outline what this announcement means for the future of the Memorial.

Two of Australia’s most decorated soldiers were also in attendance, with Ben Roberts-Smith VC and Daniel Alan Keighran VC there to witness the announcement.

“Under the leadership of Dr Brendan Nelson, the Memorial continues to play an important role for all Australians, but increasingly is also delivering support programs for veterans when they return home,” Mr. Harkins said.